The Toronto Zoo urges visitors to refrain from showing graphic videos and photos on their cellphones to its gorillas, as these distractions can disrupt the apes’ natural behaviors. Hollie Ross, the behavioral husbandry supervisor at the zoo, emphasized the importance of allowing the gorillas to be themselves and for visitors to witness their natural state, enabling a genuine connection with them.

Signs have been posted at the gorilla enclosure, reminding guests not to show graphic multimedia content to the primates. The zoo cautions that certain content can influence the gorillas’ relationships and behaviors within their family groups.

One of the gorillas, Nassir, has developed a fascination with videos shown by visitors.

The Toronto Zoo draws a parallel between managing an account for a child and ensuring appropriate parental controls. The goal is to be aware of the content the gorillas are exposed to and ensure that it aligns with their well-being and natural instincts.